GALION — A car accident around 9:30 a.m. created a gas line break that evacuated residents in the vicinity of Ohio 19 near Bucyrus Road.
Matt Echelberry, the city’s communications director, said the road is closed between Evans Road and Biddle Road.
Phil Jackson, Galion Fire Cheif told Echelberry no more than 12 houses have been evacuated.
“We are not exactly sure what the dangers are, but we are evacuating people from their homes,” Echelberry said. “It was a natural gas line that broke.
“I’m not exactly sure how it happened after the car accident. I should be getting an update (shortly).”
Currently, Columbia Gas is on site working on repairing the leaking gas line.
In a tweet, Columbia Gas of Ohio gave a statement:
“Our Crews are responding to a damaged gas line was the result of a traffic accident on Bucyrus Rd. in Gallion,” the tweet reads. “We are working with first responders to make the situation safe. The road will remain closed until further notice.”
Echelberry said the line needing repair is an important line for the city.
“Unfortunately, the gas line hit is a main feed for city,” said Echelberry who is working with all departments to get information. “So they can’t simply turn it off. They are trying to pinch the leak and make repairs with gas still on.”
Echelberry said no one knows how long the repairs will take to mend the situation. Until the leak is fixed, the city has created a detour.
“We suggest people use Winchester Road to Biddle. We are putting up (detour) signs now,” he said.
